August 4, 2008

$25,000 Bail for Hazel Dell Woman Who Allegedly Shot Neighbor

Aug. 4--Bail was set at $25,000 this morning for a 75-year-old Hazel Dell woman who allegedly shot and wounded one of her neighbors over a property-line dispute.

Mary Frances Billy, who was arrested Aug. 2, made a brief appearance in Clark County Superior Court.

She's expected to post bail today and live with her daughter.

Deputy Prosecutor Michael Vaughn asked Judge John Nichols to set bail at $100,000.

"The allegation is that she was in a dispute with her neighbor and shot him with a pistol," Vaughn said.

Nichols appointed Jeff Barrar to represent Billy. Barrar asked for $25,000 bail, given that Billy has no prior criminal history.

The allegation "is an isolated incident that the facts aren't clear on," Barrar said, adding that he has concerns for Billy's safety if she has to remain in the Clark County Jail pending trial.

Vaughn added that Billy allegedly fired her gun twice, wounding her neighbor the second time.

Between shots, the man went inside his house to get a video camera to document that Billy had a gun, Vaughn said.

After listening to the prosecutor, Billy turned to her attorney.

"There's more to that story," she said.

"Oh, I bet there is," Barrar replied.

Arraignment was set for Aug. 15.

According to the Clark County Sheriff's Office, Billy and victim Aleksey Guzeyev have participated in a neighborhood mediation process. Deputies have been called at least twice to their homes, in the 1800 block of Northeast 82nd Street, in the past 12 months to respond to complaints.

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